Iran is reportedly acquiring a frightening arsenal from Russia, including anti-aircraft launchers and fighter jets, and threatens to deploy weapons it has never used before in response to any action by Israel.
Abolfazl Amouei, spokesperson for Iran’s National Security Committee, stated Monday that the Islamic Republic “will confront any Israeli aggression and respond.”
“We are ready to use previously unused weapons,” the official told Al-Mayadeen News, per the Economic Times.
“We have plans for all scenarios and urge the Zionists to act sensibly.”
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also warned Israel that any “slightest action” will result in a “severe, extensive and painful response.”
He blamed “blind Western support for the Zionist regime” for regional tension, according to the Daily Express.
“We will respond massively and painfully to any threat to Iranian interests.”
These threats follow years of concern over Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The Islamic Republic has nuclear research sites, uranium mines, and enrichment plants.
In November 2023, the IAEA reported Iran’s uranium stockpile exceeded limits under the Iran Nuclear Deal by over 20 times.
By December, the UN agency warned Iran enriched uranium up to 60% purity—near weapons-grade—and held enough enriched uranium to make three atomic bombs.
A report by the National Union for Democracy in Iran earlier this month stated Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and centrifuge capacity could create seven nuclear weapons in a month.
Iran is also receiving arms from Russia, such as anti-aircraft launchers and drones.
Russia pledged to provide Iran with air defense tech, fighter jets, and satellite support.
Further agreements may include rebuilding Iran’s Air Force—currently comprised of pre-1979 Soviet and US jets—and increasing Iran’s supply of spy satellites and rockets.
Tehran officials seek Russia’s anti-aircraft launchers, which analysts say can down stealth jets from the US and Israel.
Iran agreed in 2022 to supply Moscow with drones and missiles, while Russia committed to buying around $2 billion in military equipment, including anti-drone defenses, from Iran.
